Abstract

MSC Transplantation in Postoperative Liver Failure (POLF)

Hans-Michael Tautenhahn, Invesitgator, TRM Leipzig

Treatment of multiple malignant and benign liver tumors requires extended liver resection. To prevent organ dysfunction and liver failure resulting thereof, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) application could be a new feasible therapeutic option for patients with acute postoperative liver failure.In a 90 % hepatectomy rat model, preliminary studies revealed that MSC treatment prevented liver failure by the stimulation of proliferation and attenuation of apoptosis. In addition, metabolic profiling of the residual liver tissue and in the serum showed that MSC improved liver function by the compensation of lipid metabolism dysfunction in the liver. To translate these promising data from a small animal model into clinical practice, a large animal model of POLF was developed in the pig. In this model, intravenous application of MSC improved liver function and metabolism and secondary systemic organ functions of heart and kidney. No obvious adverse effects were observed. Thus, the careful evaluation of this pre-clinically relevant large animal model of POLF will enable approval of efficacy, route of application, safety as well as mode of action of MSC and help to bring this life-saving therapy option to bedside.